Time to unleash your inner advice columnist! This question popped up the other day and we’re asking parents to tell us … “What would you do?”

“I have a tween who wants to play video games and IM on the computer, instead of going outside to play. How can I get him to enjoy just being in nature or playing without electronics?”

Click “comments” and tell us, what would you do? (Want to submit a question? E-mail us here. To see wonderful advice on other issues from readers and Childhood Matters‘ Rona Renner, click here and here.)

No Responses to “BIG Q3: What Would You Do?”

I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH MY BOYS. I TIME THEM ON THE GAME. THEN THEY KNOW THEY HAVE TO FIND OTHER THINGS TO DO SUCH AS HOMEWORK, COLOR, PUZZLES, BOARD GAMES AND OLD MAID. GAMES ARE REALLY POPULAR AT MY HOUSE AND WE ALL GET A BIG KICK OUT OF PLAYING.

I think setting limits on TV and computer time is key since hours can pass without a child thinking about other ways to have fun or learn. I also think that parents and caregivers need to set an example of enjoying the outdoors and invite their tween to spend time with them. I know that when we would take walks or take a drive outside the city, our kids always enjoyed it once they were outdoors with us. There are Regional Parks in most counties where you can go on the weekend. I always found that I felt more connected to my kids after we spent time outside in nature.
Now I better get off the computer and take a walk!
Nurse Rona